Latest news with #Bodlondeb
Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Conwy Council Finalises Office Reduction with Bodlondeb Handover
Conwy County Borough Council has officially handed over the keys to Bodlondeb to Quidos Investments Limited. This completes the council's programme to reduce the number of its office buildings from 18 to just one, and bring all its office services and democratic functions under one roof. Council Leader, Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, said: 'It gives me great pleasure to hand over the keys to this beautiful building. We've been able to make the decision to move to one office knowing that there is a sustainable and exciting future for the Bodlondeb building – providing economic development opportunities for the town of Conwy and wider area. 'I wish Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forum every success.' Quidos Investments Limited signed a 250-year lease on Bodlondeb on 30 May 2025. Nick Pritchard, Director of Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forums, said: 'I can't say I'm not nervous taking on such a huge and magnificent building, but as the next custodian of such great heritage, I will do everything in my power to maintain its magnificence and make it a vibrant and exciting workplace. 'Bodlondeb in the future will bring many employment opportunities to the Conwy economy and I look forward to meeting and speaking to local budding entrepreneurs who look to take up space in the building – we could just find our next Welsh 'Alun' Sugar.' Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, Co-founder, Ideas Forums, said: 'Along with fellow directors Fran James and Nick Pritchard, I'm proud to be taking on this challenge to boost entrepreneurship in the region of my birth. Through this initiative, we'll be providing office and co-working spaces, offering free desk space for young entrepreneurs, and delivering the support and funding access that new start-ups need to succeed. 'This is more than just a new business centre, it's a significant investment in the future of North Wales, designed to retain local talent, spark innovation, and build a more sustainable and dynamic regional economy.'
Rhyl Journal
4 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Conwy Council hands over historic building to new owners
Conwy County Borough Council handed over the keys on May 30 after nearly three decades. This completes the council's programme to reduce the number of its office buildings from 18 to just one, and bring all its office services and democratic functions under one roof. Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Council Leader, said: 'It gives me great pleasure to hand over the keys to this beautiful building. We've been able to make the decision to move to one office knowing that there is a sustainable and exciting future for the Bodlondeb building - providing economic development opportunities for the town of Conwy and wider area. 'I wish Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forum every success.' Quidos Investments Limited have signed a 250-year lease on the historic building. Bodlondeb in under new ownership (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Nick Pritchard, Director of Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forums, said: 'I can't say I'm not nervous taking on such a huge and magnificent building, but as the next custodian of such great heritage, I will do everything in my power to maintain its magnificence and make it a vibrant and exciting workplace. 'Bodlondeb in the future will bring many employment opportunities to the Conwy economy and I look forward to meeting and speaking to local budding entrepreneurs who look to take up space in the building - we could just find our next Welsh 'Alun' Sugar.' Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, Co-founder, Ideas Forums, said: 'Along with fellow directors Fran James and Nick Pritchard, I'm proud to be taking on this challenge to boost entrepreneurship in the region of my birth. Through this initiative, we'll be providing office and co-working spaces, offering free desk space for young entrepreneurs, and delivering the support and funding access that new start-ups need to succeed. 'This is more than just a new business centre, it's a significant investment in the future of North Wales, designed to retain local talent, spark innovation, and build a more sustainable and dynamic regional economy.' Anyone wanting to discuss potential ideas or interested in making Bodlondeb their business home, can click here. Bodlondeb Hall, described as "one of the most beautiful buildings in Wales", was the house seat of the Wood family, built by industrialist and Mayor of Conwy Albert Wood in 1877. It came into municipal ownership in 1937, its family rooms becoming the offices first of all of Conway Borough Council [Conwy was formerly known as Conway] and later, in 1974, of Aberconwy Borough Council. Conwy County Borough Council have been based in the building since its inception in 1996. The Pioneer was given a tour of the characteristical building earlier in May. The council's asset manager Bleddyn Evans, who has been Project Manager for reducing the council's office portfolio and has been overseeing the sale of Bodlondeb (method of disposal, choosing preferred bidder, instructing solicitors) and the re-modelling of Coed Pella [so staff and functions from Bodlondeb can relocate there], said: "With the post pandemic world and technology, we are a lot more agile and don't need as much floor space. "Like all organisations, we have funding challenges and are looking at way where we can be more efficient; reducing our building footprint also supports reducing our carbon emissions."
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Outcry over 'absolute madness' move of library from high street to seaside venue
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A potential relocation of the library from Mostyn Street to Venue Cymru has become a contentious issue amongst locals, inciting substantial debate. The proposed move didn't sit well with many readers of North Wales Live, voicing their concerns about the repercussions for the community, in the comments section. A massive pushback materialised this week when a petition bearing 1,800 signatures was delivered to Conwy council, opposing the Llandudno library and tourist information centre's relocation to Venue Cymru. Cllr Mike Priestley, who headed the economy and place overview and scrutiny committee at Bodlondeb, informed fellow councillors of the public's resistance as part of a wider 'save our high street' initiative. Breaking down the numbers, Cllr Priestley stated that there were 936 signees on an e-petition and another 688 on paper. Additionally, 230 signatures came from outside the county; however, council policy disqualified those from consideration. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Cllr Harry Saville presented the petitions with strong disapproval of the planned move, articulating an urgent plea: "We, the undersigned, say that keeping them where they are now, attracting over 200,000 visits a year, is vital to sustaining Mostyn Street as a busy, vibrant, and viable town centre," underlining the integral role these facilities play in drawing foot traffic and supporting local commerce. He further criticised the decision, asserting that, "It is a bad decision and naive at best to suggest purposefully removing high street amenities won't have a substantial impact on footfall and retailers, let alone all the community support given by both." The outcry over Conwy Council's proposed relocation of Llandudno library has provoked impassioned pleas for a re-evaluation. One opponent firmly demanded: "We demand that the council reconsider this move and conduct and make public a professional economic impact study of the proposed move." He highlighted the importance of transparency concerning the community consultation: "We know that this has been out to consultation. I think it's really important to see what those consultation responses say." Councillor Saville voiced his hope that the council's library strategy might pave the way to secure Llandudno library's future. Reflecting on a successful campaign from three years past, he referenced Colwyn Bay library's rescue after public opposition stalled its relocation. Cllr Saville expressed his aspirations: "I would really hope that now, three and a half years later, if there is similar resistance from the public to relocating Llandudno's library, that Llandudno is treated fairly and it's library remains in the library building." Meanwhile, Jonesey1 comments: "The Very Best of British Luck to the petitioners" but harboured scepticism about the council's receptiveness, suspecting the decision might effectively be a 'one deal'." AlbertKelly asks: "Are they suggesting that 200,000 travel to Mostyn Street for the sole purpose of visiting the library, or do those 200,000 travel Mostyn Street to visit the library and go shopping on the same visit?" Daffyddthomas also questions: "Why would anyone want to visit a Library in that carbuncle? If it does move people need tp boycott it, the council have done enough damage to Llandudno and Colwyn Bay as it is, anything they come up with is usually not in the public interest." Morpick says: "Sadly, Conwy CBC have a record of not taking any notice of such consultations and the views of constituents. They go through the motions, ignore the results and simply do what they want. In this case they will go to all the expense of relocation and then close the facility within 18 months because it will not be used." Emileeee queries: "Why is it that nearly all councils in Wales seem absolutely determined to destroy Wales's economy and their local areas and towns? From tourism to the 20mph to the tourist tax etc etc, as an outsider looking in I can't believe what I read about such things on an almost daily basis, it's almost like they are on a collision course to destroy Wales and seem totally oblivious to what they are doing, is there no one in Welsh politics that can see the damage they are doing?" Steamnut believes: "Slowly but surely Wales is dying. All of the councils are shutting services such as libraries, toilets and reducing refuse collections albeit in the name of 'improved recycling'. They are trying to to raise their incomes through rates, holiday home "taxes" and increased car parking charges but there are limits to that. The books simple don't balance. The WAG sits on it's hands and blames Westminster. The Labour Government recently saved the closing of blast furnaces in Scunthorpe whilst letting Tata close theirs with no support from Government - why? Devolution has not worked for Wales and it sometimes feels that Westminster is punishing Wales by short-changing it. Until Wales has it's own profitable industries this decline will not stop. The relocation of a library will be the least of our worries as Wales is broke." Chloe46toyota says: "What's the reasoning on why they want to move the Library as there are plenty of people that enjoy the hub of the high street, not visit the decaying theatre complex with no other amenities around. Oh I forgot they may be allowed to use the toilets." MickHookem replies: "Why would they not want to? There's a car park, a bus stop right outside and much better disable access than the current place. Not everybody who visits libraries enjoys driving round and round in circles waiting for a parking space to become free." Statistix comments: "Or are 200,000 visits made by people who go to town for the library and then shop there? Because if so, and the library is moved, they would probably go to one of the retail parks and be able to park, thus not visiting either the town centre or the library." Froggyfrogs feels: "Absolute madness to move the library to Venue Cymru. The library is perfectly fine where it is, especially being close to bus stops in both directions for those who don't drive. People I know come into town to use the library, but then use the cafes and shops close by during the same trip. It's not rocket science, yet once again we are faced with a council that has no common sense! As for also moving the tourist information office with it, that's just what visitors need isn't it? To go all the way down to Venue Cymru to find out what's going on in town!" Do you believe that this will signal the end of Conwy? Join in the conversation HERE or in the comments below.
North Wales Live
06-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
Outcry over 'absolute madness' move of library from high street to seaside venue
A potential relocation of the library from Mostyn Street to Venue Cymru has become a contentious issue amongst locals, inciting substantial debate. The proposed move didn't sit well with many readers of North Wales Live, voicing their concerns about the repercussions for the community, in the comments section. A massive pushback materialised this week when a petition bearing 1,800 signatures was delivered to Conwy council, opposing the Llandudno library and tourist information centre's relocation to Venue Cymru. Cllr Mike Priestley, who headed the economy and place overview and scrutiny committee at Bodlondeb, informed fellow councillors of the public's resistance as part of a wider 'save our high street' initiative. Breaking down the numbers, Cllr Priestley stated that there were 936 signees on an e-petition and another 688 on paper. Additionally, 230 signatures came from outside the county; however, council policy disqualified those from consideration. Cllr Harry Saville presented the petitions with strong disapproval of the planned move, articulating an urgent plea: "We, the undersigned, say that keeping them where they are now, attracting over 200,000 visits a year, is vital to sustaining Mostyn Street as a busy, vibrant, and viable town centre," underlining the integral role these facilities play in drawing foot traffic and supporting local commerce. He further criticised the decision, asserting that, "It is a bad decision and naive at best to suggest purposefully removing high street amenities won't have a substantial impact on footfall and retailers, let alone all the community support given by both." The outcry over Conwy Council's proposed relocation of Llandudno library has provoked impassioned pleas for a re-evaluation. One opponent firmly demanded: "We demand that the council reconsider this move and conduct and make public a professional economic impact study of the proposed move." He highlighted the importance of transparency concerning the community consultation: "We know that this has been out to consultation. I think it's really important to see what those consultation responses say." Councillor Saville voiced his hope that the council's library strategy might pave the way to secure Llandudno library's future. Reflecting on a successful campaign from three years past, he referenced Colwyn Bay library's rescue after public opposition stalled its relocation. Cllr Saville expressed his aspirations: "I would really hope that now, three and a half years later, if there is similar resistance from the public to relocating Llandudno's library, that Llandudno is treated fairly and it's library remains in the library building." Meanwhile, Jonesey1 comments: "The Very Best of British Luck to the petitioners" but harboured scepticism about the council's receptiveness, suspecting the decision might effectively be a 'one deal'." AlbertKelly asks: "Are they suggesting that 200,000 travel to Mostyn Street for the sole purpose of visiting the library, or do those 200,000 travel Mostyn Street to visit the library and go shopping on the same visit?" Daffyddthomas also questions: "Why would anyone want to visit a Library in that carbuncle? If it does move people need tp boycott it, the council have done enough damage to Llandudno and Colwyn Bay as it is, anything they come up with is usually not in the public interest." Morpick says: "Sadly, Conwy CBC have a record of not taking any notice of such consultations and the views of constituents. They go through the motions, ignore the results and simply do what they want. In this case they will go to all the expense of relocation and then close the facility within 18 months because it will not be used." Emileeee queries: "Why is it that nearly all councils in Wales seem absolutely determined to destroy Wales's economy and their local areas and towns? From tourism to the 20mph to the tourist tax etc etc, as an outsider looking in I can't believe what I read about such things on an almost daily basis, it's almost like they are on a collision course to destroy Wales and seem totally oblivious to what they are doing, is there no one in Welsh politics that can see the damage they are doing?" Steamnut believes: "Slowly but surely Wales is dying. All of the councils are shutting services such as libraries, toilets and reducing refuse collections albeit in the name of 'improved recycling'. They are trying to to raise their incomes through rates, holiday home "taxes" and increased car parking charges but there are limits to that. The books simple don't balance. The WAG sits on it's hands and blames Westminster. The Labour Government recently saved the closing of blast furnaces in Scunthorpe whilst letting Tata close theirs with no support from Government - why? Devolution has not worked for Wales and it sometimes feels that Westminster is punishing Wales by short-changing it. Until Wales has it's own profitable industries this decline will not stop. The relocation of a library will be the least of our worries as Wales is broke." Chloe46toyota says: "What's the reasoning on why they want to move the Library as there are plenty of people that enjoy the hub of the high street, not visit the decaying theatre complex with no other amenities around. Oh I forgot they may be allowed to use the toilets." MickHookem replies: "Why would they not want to? There's a car park, a bus stop right outside and much better disable access than the current place. Not everybody who visits libraries enjoys driving round and round in circles waiting for a parking space to become free." Statistix comments: "Or are 200,000 visits made by people who go to town for the library and then shop there? Because if so, and the library is moved, they would probably go to one of the retail parks and be able to park, thus not visiting either the town centre or the library." Froggyfrogs feels: "Absolute madness to move the library to Venue Cymru. The library is perfectly fine where it is, especially being close to bus stops in both directions for those who don't drive. People I know come into town to use the library, but then use the cafes and shops close by during the same trip. It's not rocket science, yet once again we are faced with a council that has no common sense! As for also moving the tourist information office with it, that's just what visitors need isn't it? To go all the way down to Venue Cymru to find out what's going on in town!"
